Ross Kemp on Gangs (2006)
In the gripping documentary series Ross Kemp on Gangs, actor and presenter Ross Kemp embarks on a daring journey across continents to delve into the heart of gang culture. From the gritty streets of London to the blood-soaked alleys of Kingston, Jamaica, Kemp fearlessly confronts the raw realities of gang violence, corruption, and survival.
The series, which aired on Sky 1 from September 2004 to January 2009, spans four riveting seasons. Each episode lasts 60 minutes, immersing viewers in the dangerous underworld where gangs thrive. Here’s a glimpse into the compelling narratives explored by Kemp:
- Brazil, New Zealand, California, and London (Series 1):
- Kemp investigates police corruption in Brazil, confronts Māori gangs in New Zealand, shadows neo-Nazi skinheads in California, and delves into the labyrinthine world of London’s gangsters.
- El Salvador, Russia, Poland, and St. Louis (Series 2):
- In El Salvador, Kemp encounters the notorious “MS13” gang. He then ventures to Russia to expose neo-Nazis, witnesses football hooliganism in Poland and unravels the fierce rivalry between American “Bloods” and “Crips” in St. Louis.
- Jamaica, Poland, Colombia, and East Timor (Series 3):
- Kemp confronts the bloody turf wars in Kingston, Jamaica, where gangs have abandoned their political roots. He dives into Poland’s football hooligan scene, meets guerrilla fighters in Colombia, and explores the secretive world of the Sicarios. His journey also takes him to East Timor, where two rival gangs clash in a deadly conflict.
- Compton (Los Angeles), Bulgaria, Belize, and Liverpool (Series 4):
- In Compton, Kemp investigates a hazardous neighborhood where rival gangs collide. He travels to Bulgaria to uncover Roma gangs and Neo-Nazi Skinheads, explores cocaine trafficking in Belize, and meets gangs in Norris Green and Croxteth, Liverpool.
Throughout the series, Kemp’s unflinching interviews with gang members affected locals, and law enforcement reveal the stark realities of violence, power struggles, and survival. He pushes boundaries, attempting to establish contact with gang leaders, risking his safety to understand their motivations and tactics.
Ross Kemp on Gangs earned critical acclaim, winning a BAFTA award for best factual series in 2007. Kemp’s experiences from the program are chronicled in his book of the same name, providing further insight into the dangerous world he explored.
Whether in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas or Kingston’s war-torn streets, Kemp’s fearless pursuit of truth sheds light on the complex web of gang dynamics, leaving an indelible mark on the world of documentary filmmaking.
